Hi, my name is Gary Richardson, and Im 59. I have struggled with mental health issues for the last 50 years.

Almost 4 years ago I had a major breakdown and hit rock bottom, attempting to take my life on several occasions. 2024 I watched my brother and best mate, Neil die from Cancer.

Through attending many counselling appointments and the support from my Wife Tracy and my Mother in law Sue Palmer, I have found a way forward, I can say a light has truly been turned on for me. Although these past few months have been a real struggle, and felt like giving up many times.

What I intend to do is Single Handed sail around the British Isles or at least try. I have managed to purchase a yacht " Frida D " with the kind help from my Nephew James.

"Frida D" is a 27ft Halcyon, I had a Halcyon 27 whilst living in Gibraltar, I sold "Levante" to a Danish shipwright. On a telephone conversation with the owner of " Frida D " he said he had bought the boat from a Dane who sailed her from Gib to Portsmouth some years ago and she used to be called " Levante ". So you couldn't write a more romantic yacht story.

I am planning on starting this challenge in April 2026 all being well.

If you are able please donate even if it's only a £1, every penny helps x

Thank you

Money raised is going towards Dorset Mind.

https://dorsetmind.uk/

I am going to start a "You Tube" channel which I will update when im at anchorage and close enough to gain WiFi. I also will establish a Patreon site this go fund me so money from these accounts can go to the Mental Health charity on completion of challenge when I arrive back in Portland.

I want to help people that are in that dark place and their thinking is the only way to go is down, if what im doing will show people there is a light and life can get better, and if I only reach a couple of people they might do their own thing and they might reach several people each, it's a step in the right direction for Mental Health. So please help me to help people get their lives back.

Gary